Brooks: CUPS basks in the glow of the Moonlight Gala

By Bill Brooks ??? Calgary Herald

Published Mar 25, 2023

Last updated Mar 25, 2023

2 minute read

Pictured at the 16th annual CUPS Moonlight Gala at the Hyatt Regency are, from left, Graphite Ventures' Omi Velasco with her husband, Stonebridge Equity Partners chairman and CUPS board chair Michael Lang, and CUPS executive director Carlene Donnelly. The fab fundraiser netted $300,000. Bill Brooks photo

You know you are doing things the right way when your peers recognize your work with myriad awards. Since 1989, CUPS has helped Calgarians overcome adversity and build resilience that spans generations. This invaluable organization has been recognized for its impact by Charity Intelligence Canada for four consecutive years.

CUPS provides services to more than 9,000 low-income individuals through its programs which include: health care, counselling and addiction treatment for adults and children; financial and housingsupports and referrals for adults and families; learning, skill-building and support for children and caregivers; housing, food access, financial support and training for adults and families; and programs and emotional support for adults and families.?

CUPS’ signature fundraiser – the annual Moonlight Gala – made a triumphant return to the Hyatt Regency on March 15. The 16th iteration of the fab fete was attended by 480 guests and netted $300,000, which will ensure the invaluable services and programs offered by CUPS will continue for years to come.?

Over the years, the gala has featured performers the likes of Sara Bareilles, Boz Scaggs, Chantal Kreviazuk, Holly Cole, Jim Cuddy, Jann Arden, Jewel, Melissa Etheridge, Walk Off The Earth and Amanda Marshall. This year saw pop sensation Tyler Shaw take to the stage. Other highlights this night included: Global’s Leslie Horton’s emceeing acumen; and heartfelt addresses from CUPS executive director Carlene Donnelly and CUPS board chair and Stonebridge Equity Partners chairman Michael Lang.

Some in attendance included Lang’s better half Omi Velasco of Graphite Ventures; Lang’s brothers Gary, Ken and Russ with their spouses; BLG’s Mike Saliken and his wife Lisa; Larry and Brenda Moeller; Calgary Homeless Foundation’s Patricia Jones; Emily Jenson and her mom, CUPS’ Penny Milts; Kindred co-CEO Jessica Cope Williams; Hopewell Group of Companies founder and executive chairman Sanders Lee and his wife Ena; RBC’s Jon Cornish and his wife Kiran Seetal, also with RBC; Rosanne Hill Blaisdell, president and CEO of Harvard Developments Corporation; Olympic champion Michelle Cameron Coulter with her husband, fellow Olympian Al Coulter; community supporter and philanthropist Pat Moore; past U of C president Elizabeth Cannon; Dilawri Group’s Tony Dilawri with his wife Ellen and son Malik; SAF Group’s Ryan Dunfield; Sandbox Talent’s Lisa Helfrick; Brian Keating;? Janice Heard and her husband Bruce McFarlane; Michael Tims; Ron Mathison; Calgary Health Foundation’s Kathy Hnatiuk; RBC’s Chantel Hambrook; Roman and Sally Kan; CUPS board member Pat Blocksom with her husband Allan Shewchuk; realtors Sano Stante and Marvette Dawnne; and others pictured.

From left: Emilie Jenson and her mom Penny Milts, Patricia Jones and Jessica Cope Williams. Bill Brooks photo

From left: Gina Gaglardi, Allan Shewchuk and his wife Pat Blocksom, Sano Stante and Marvette Dawnne. Bill Brooks photo

Chantel Hambrook and Lonny Balbi. Bill Brooks photo

From left: Sanders and Ena Lee with Sally and Roman Kan. Bill Brooks photo

From left: Tony, Ellen and Malik Dilawri. Bill Brooks photo

From left: Ryan Dunfield, Mike Saliken and Lisa Helfrick. Bill Brooks photo.

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